Language, Culture and Young Children

Originally published in 1992. This book is designed to help the teacher facing the challenge posed by multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-language classes. The contributions, from teachers and Higher Education tutors, are based on experience and research in this area and their emphasis is practical with theoretical support being provided where relevant. Part one considers issues of difference, including looking at oral language development, issues of assessment, and the particular needs of traveller children, among other topics. The second part looks at stories and books while the third looks at active language use in writing and drama. Part four suggests useful resources.

Pat Pinsent

Introduction Pat Pinsent Part 1: Differences: Problem or Opportunity? 1. Linguistic Diversity and Equality David Reid 2. Varieties of English Linda Thomas and Shân Wareing 3. Language and Learning in the Multicultural Nursery Classrooms Christine Stevenson 4. Distinctive Voices: Developing Oral Language in Multi-lingual Classrooms Rosemary Morgan 5. The Language Needs of the Young Traveller Child Fran Duncan 6. Building on Bilingualism: Issues of Access and Assessment in the Curriculum Judith Lawton Part 2: Stories and Books 7. Retelling Stories in School Tony Aylwin 8. Choice of Initial Reading Material Maura Blackburn 9. Selecting Literature for Young Children Pat Pinsent Part 3: Active Language Users 10. Children's Developmental Writing Peta Lloyd 11. Drama with Young Learners in School Joan Anim-Addo Part 4: Resources Some Criteria for the Choice of Suitable Resources; Guides to Selection of Books and Resources; Centres, Associations, etc; Journals; Audio-visual Material; Some Books of Multi-cultural Interest